Democracy Building in Moldova: Diaspora’s Vision for Moldova’s Resilient Future (Dorina Baltag, Victoria Căpătici, Oleg Chirița, Anastasia Pociumban – German Marshall Fund of the United States)

Moldova is entering a defining chapter in its European integration journey—one filled with both promise and instability. The twin milestones of the 2024 presidential election and the EU accession referendum offered a glimpse into the country’s aspirations and vulnerabilities. With the referendum passing by a slim margin (50.35%), and amid widespread concerns over foreign interference, vote-buying, and public disillusionment, Moldova’s path toward the EU hangs in delicate balance. The challenges are unprecedented. Russian-backed hybrid threats, from the financing of spoiler parties to energy blackmail and disinformation campaigns, continue to test Moldova’s democratic institutions. Internally, economic hardship and governance gaps, particularly in underserved rural regions, fuel public skepticism and deepen societal divisions. For many, the EU represents not shared democratic values, but a promise of economic relief. This leaves Moldova’s reform agenda vulnerable to short-term frustrations and external manipulation.

Democracy Building in Moldova: Diaspora’s Vision for Moldova’s Resilient Future | German Marshall Fund of the United States